Today’s Parasha is entitled Shemini meaning “the Eighth day”, and covers Leviticus chapters 9-11.  In these chapters Aaron begins his ministry to the people, his sons come into the presence of God burning a sacrifice not prescribed for, we are instructed to not drink fermented drink before entering Gods presence, and we are given dietary […]

The second parasha today is entitled Tzav – an imperative verb meaning “Give the command” from the same word we get mitzvah. It covers Leviticus chapters six through eight. God tells Moses to command Aaron and his sons how to carry out their priestly duties. The previous chapters had to do with the offerings from […]

Last week’s parasha is entitled, VaYikra, which means, “and He called.”  It covers Leviticus, Chapter 1:1 – 6:7.  In English, the name is Leviticus, and refers to the rules, regulations and duties that must be followed by the Levitical priesthood, the Levites, to atone for the sins of the people.  This parasha describes 5 types of […]

Today’s Torah portion is entitled Pekudei meaning “An Accounting” and goes from Exodus 38:21 through chapter 40 and completes the book.  It includes a description of the quantities of each material used in the Tabernacle’s construction; as well as the colors, elements, and detail required in creating the priestly garments.  Moses inspects everything, and the […]

This Shabbat we have two parashas: Vayakhel which means, “And He Assembled” and Pekudei which means, “An Accounting” and it covers Exodus 35:1-40:36. Chapter 35 opens with a serious reminder for Israel to observe the Sabbath.  God then invited any Israelis with generous hearts to bring offerings for the Tabernacle. They brought gold, silver and brass; cloth, […]

This week’s Parasha is Ki Tisa, which means “when you take up”.  It covers Exodus 30:11-34:35. Today we will concentrate on the golden calf.  Israel has come through the Red Sea toward Mt. Sinai.  Moses goes up the mountain for 40 days. God gives him the Law and carves out the Ten Commandments.  During Moses’ […]

The name of this week’s parasha is Tetzaveh, which means “you shall command” and covers Exodus 27:20 – 30:10.  The Jewish people were commanded to bring clear oil from pressed, unripened olives, to the Tent of Meeting so that Aaron and his sons could keep the lamps there burning.  This command is repeated in Leviticus […]

The parasha for this Shabbat is entitled Terumah which means “Contribution” or “offering”. With the exception of chapters 32-34, the remainder of the book of Exodus is devoted to one thing: the construction and commission of the Tabernacle. The Hebrew word is Mishkan, from the verb shachan – to dwell or inhabit. The picture is […]

This week’s parasha is entitled Mishpatim, which is translated “Statutes” or “Judgments” and covers Exodus chapters 21 through 24. This section of the Torah contains extensive case law; fines and/or punishments for a broad spectrum of offenses having mostly to do with personal injury and property. Everything in this parasha demonstrates that, as beings created […]

This week’s parasha is entitled Yitro (meaning Jethro), the name of Moses’ father-in-law.  This portion covers Exodus 18-20 and contains the remarkable encounter between God and the people of Israel at Mount Sinai, including the giving of the Ten Commandments.  At this point in time, the Jewish people are on roughly their third month of […]